Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2027: 50% Grant + 50% Loan for Master’s & PhD

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Full name	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP)
Funded by	Aga Khan Foundation (part of the Aga Khan Development Network)
Coverage	50% grant + 50% loan package (no interest) toward postgraduate study
Level	Master’s and PhD (postgraduate) at reputable universities worldwide
Deadline	~March 31, 2027 for the 2027-2028 cycle (next cycle opens early 2027)
Who can apply	Nationals of 13 eligible countries — plus diaspora applicants in select Western countries

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is one of the most respected postgraduate funding routes for students from East Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East. It funds Master’s and PhD study at reputable universities worldwide through a unique 50% grant / 50% interest-free loan package — the loan portion makes the programme sustainable and lets the Foundation fund far more students each cycle. The 2026-2027 cycle closed on March 31, 2026; the next cycle opens early 2027, so now is the time to line up admission offers and references.

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What Does It Cover?

Benefit	Details
Grant portion	50% of the award — never repaid
Loan portion	50% of the award — interest-free, repayable after studies (with grace period)
Coverage scope	Tuition, living costs, and other study expenses up to the award limit
Where you can study	Any reputable university that admits you — UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia
Selection basis	Academic merit plus genuine financial need plus development commitment

Because AKF ISP is a grant + loan hybrid, it’s not a “full ride” — but for students with a solid admission offer, the combination of free money and an interest-free loan is often exactly the bridge needed. The Foundation states awards are made on the basis of outstanding academic records, genuine financial need, and admission to a reputable postgraduate programme.

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Eligibility

✅ You Must:

• Be a national of an eligible country: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, or Mozambique

• OR be originally from one of those countries and residing in France, Portugal, the UK, the USA, or Canada — applying for development-related studies and unable to finance your education otherwise

• Hold (or expect) admission to a reputable Master’s or PhD programme

• Demonstrate genuine financial need and an excellent academic record

• Show commitment to development in your home region

❌ Not Eligible If:

• Your country is not on the eligible list (check akf.org — the list is reviewed per cycle)

• You have other means of fully financing your studies

• You are applying for undergraduate study (the programme targets postgraduate degrees)

• You apply after the deadline — and note internal deadlines in some countries are earlier than March 31

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How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Secure Your Admission Offer

AKF ISP is awarded to students who are already admitted (or clearly admissible) to a reputable postgraduate programme. Begin university applications now so offers land before the scholarship window closes.

Step 2: Check Your Local AKF/AKDN Office

Applications are not sent to Geneva. You must obtain the application form from the Aga Khan Foundation office (or AKDN agency) in your country — the Foundation runs a chatbot on its site to verify eligibility and direct you to the correct local contact.

Step 3: Confirm Your Country’s Internal Deadline

The global deadline is ~March 31, but several country offices set earlier internal deadlines. Contact your local office to confirm the date that applies to you.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Completed application form, admission evidence, transcripts, financial-need documentation, references, and a clear statement of your development goals.

Step 5: Submit and Follow Up

Return the completed application to the office that issued the form — not to Geneva — well before the internal deadline.

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Insider Tips

1. The Loan Is the Feature, Not a Flaw

The 50% loan is interest-free and repayable after your studies, with a grace period. Compared to commercial loans, it’s dramatically cheaper — and the grant half is free money. Frame your application around financial need honestly; the programme exists for students who genuinely can’t fund themselves.

2. Admission First, Scholarship Second

Because ISP requires admission to a reputable programme, your university applications should be running in parallel, starting now. Target programmes with generous admission timelines so offers arrive by early 2027.

3. Know the Diaspora Rule

If you’re from an eligible country but now live in France, Portugal, the UK, USA, or Canada, you can still apply — but only for development-related studies and only if you have no other means of financing. Say explicitly how your studies serve development back home.

4. Internal Deadlines Bite

Several country offices close before March 31. Contact your local AKF office in January to confirm, then submit two weeks early.

5. Pair ISP With Other African-Focused Funding

ISP is partial — combine it with other support. Strong companions: the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Mandela Washington Fellowship (leadership, not degree), and the World Bank JJ/WBGSP for development professionals.

6. Document Financial Need Carefully

The Foundation prioritizes genuine financial need. Prepare clear evidence of household income, family size, and existing funding gaps — vague statements don’t compete with documented need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship fully funded?

Not exactly — it’s a 50% grant / 50% interest-free loan package. The grant half is free; the loan half is repaid after studies with a grace period. Combined with other funding, it can cover your full costs.

When is the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship deadline?

The 2026-2027 cycle closed March 31, 2026. The next cycle opens early 2027 with a deadline around March 31, 2027 — but some country offices set earlier internal deadlines.

Which countries are eligible for the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship?

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Applicants originally from these countries who reside in France, Portugal, the UK, USA, or Canada may also apply for development-related studies.

Can I apply for undergraduate study?

No — the International Scholarship Programme funds postgraduate study (Master’s and PhD). Check the AKDN network for education support at other levels.

How do I apply?

Through the Aga Khan Foundation office in your country — the form must be obtained from and returned to the local office, not to Geneva. Use the eligibility chatbot on akf.org to find your local contact.

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Timeline Table

Date	Milestone
Now – Dec 2026	Apply to universities; secure admission offers for 2027 entry
Early 2027	Next AKF ISP cycle opens; local offices begin issuing forms
January 2027	Confirm your country office’s internal deadline
~March 31, 2027	Global application deadline (earlier in some countries)
Mid-2027	Selection and award decisions
Autumn 2027	Studies begin

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Your Action Plan

1. This month: Shortlist universities and start postgraduate applications so admission offers arrive by early 2027.

2. September–December 2026: Request transcripts and references; document household finances.

3. January 2027: Contact your local AKF office; confirm internal deadlines and get the form.

4. February 2027: Complete the application — don’t wait for March 31.

5. Meanwhile: Apply to Mastercard Foundation Scholars and JJ/WBGSP to build a full funding package.

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AKF ISP’s 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan model is a lifeline for postgraduate students from East Africa and South/Central Asia. Share this with someone applying for a Master’s or PhD in 2027.